Scammers try to access your personal information through phone, text or email by pretending to be someone you know or tricking you into clicking on a link. Never click on links attached to text messages or emails. Do not provide personal or financial information to someone who contacts you out of the blue. Government organisations will respect your concerns about privacy and are unlikely to call you requesting private or financial information, unless they have arranged to do so. If something feels odd, it may help to postpone any further discussion or action until you get more information – especially if you feel pressured to think its urgent!!
If you are concerned that important identity information has been stolen (for example: drivers license numbers, bank details, credit card numbers, date of birth, address, etc) or you have been a victim of a scam, contact your bank immediately. This may be a very stressful time so it could help to talk to someone you trust before doing anything. Some of the following organisations may be of help to:
- Improve your security, with the Australian Cyber Security Centre website at https://www.cyber.gov.au
- Report to law enforcement via ReportCyber at https://www.cyber.gov.au/acsc/report
- Advise about identity protection at https://www.idcare.org/tasmania-incident-response
You may also wish to learn more about how to protect from scams and identity theft:
- https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/
- https://www.moneysmart.gov.au/scams
- https://www.staysmartonline.gov.au
The following organisations may be able to help with managing the anxiety:
- Lifeline on 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue 1300 224 636
- Department of Health – Mental Health Hotline – 1800 332 388
- Anglicare Tasmania – 1800 243 232